Good afternoon ladies and Gentlemen. It is a real pleasure for me for speak to you this afternoon on Collaborative Networks and Investment. The Division which I lead at Invest NI covers a range of disciplines, including LIfe Sciences, Creative Industries, ICT and Financial Services Technology
In recognition that many of you are from outside Northern Ireland, let me explain briefly the role of Invest NI. We are the economic development agency for Northern Ireland, tasked with growing the economy - in partnership with our client companies, our Universities and key government stake-holders, such as the Department of Health and trade associations such as BioBusiness Our Client companies comprise start-ups, established local business and new inward investors. We have a range of solutions to assist companies grow - listed on the left of the slide R&D is a key programme, to assist industry-led collaborative research
Northern Ireland has strong track record in Life Sciences, which employ 4,100 people. Companies of note include Almac and Randox The disciplines of Biomedical Science, Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Mathematics and IT - working together in Cancer Research NI has significant strength in Bio-Engineering, Nanotechnology and sensor technologies, pioneered by the University of Ulster This has generated significant commercial opportunities in licensing and spin-out companies, examples of which include Heartsine, Heartscape and Intelesens NI has significant strength in Centres of Excellence: The Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology in Belfast - £25m investment, 300 researchers, 3 spin-out companies - Fusion Antibodies, Almac Diagnostics and iPath Diagnostics C-TRIC - the Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre, is a unique facility promoting and facilitating translational research. Partners include the Western Trust, University of Ulster, Derry City Council and ILEX
Northern Ireland has one of the best education systems in the UK: Our local universities actively seek collaboration opportunities Invest NI’s Collaboration Programmes link industry, academia and clinicians. An example of this is the European Connected Health Campus The Programme for Government seeks to increase the number of PhDs, making Northern Ireland a magnet for talent. We actively welcome the sponsorship of PhD students by industry.
BioBusiness and the ECHCampus have both received support through the programme
Northern Ireland is well placed to exploit these opportunities
Organisations like BioBusiness and C-TRIC facilitate Academic, Business and Clinical collaboration at a local and international level High quality property - incubation, research are office accommodation is needed to sustain growth and clustering Government needs to back the private sector by providing timely and attractive financial support and promoting collaboration I will cover a few of the key collaborative initiatives that Invest NI is involved in, over the next few slides
This is a practical example of two Government Departments effectively working together. The introduction of the service will generate valuable experience within our healthcare system, which can be re-cycled into additional projects The project is currently at the short-list sage. Bosch, BT, HP and a consortia led by Tunstall are bidding for the work. These companies bring international experience to NI - which we will exploit. The tender has suffered delays and has recently been accessed against DHSSPS priorities. The programme is continuing and engagement with the short-listed companies will recommence shortly I am delighted that Dr Hubert Curran from the ECCH is speaking later today and will be able to provide a more comprehensive update
The Campus is channeling significant international support to promote Connected Health in Ireland, Europe and North America. Northern Ireland has played a key role in its creation. Invest NI provides funding through its Collaborative Networks Programme The Campus benefits from the support of CIMIT, QUB, UU, C-TRIC and has links with the Netwell Centre in Dundalk. CIMIT - Centre for Integration Medicine and Innovative Technology has strong links to Partners Healthcare in Boston
Medical Devices in Connected Health project 09-11 - funded by Invest NI
NIMAC Collaboration covers academic, business and clinicians Joe Kvadar (Partners Connected Health) has been asked to assist in Boston NIMAC chaired by Brian O’Connor Life Sciences is the initial focus for NIMAC Invest NI’s Trade Mission in Oct covers the NIMAC and Partners events